Three Indian seafarers remain missing after a commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman, prompting India to lodge a strong diplomatic protest with the United States and summon the American Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi. The incident has added a new layer of tension to an already volatile security situation in the Gulf region.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the commercial tanker Settebello was carrying 24 Indian crew members when it came under attack in waters near Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. While 21 Indian sailors were rescued safely, three crew members remain unaccounted for, and search-and-rescue operations are continuing with the assistance of Omani authorities.
The Indian government condemned the attack and expressed serious concern over the safety of Indian nationals working in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. In a rare diplomatic move, the MEA summoned Jason Meeks, the United States Chargé d’Affaires in India, to formally protest the incident and seek explanations regarding the circumstances surrounding the strike. Additional Secretary (Americas) Nagaraj Naidu conveyed India’s concerns during the meeting.
Reports from maritime and media sources indicate that the vessel may have been struck during a U.S. military operation in the region. The United States has reportedly acknowledged carrying out military action against the vessel, although details regarding the target and operational objectives remain limited. The attack occurred amid heightened tensions in West Asia and growing concerns about maritime security in and around the Gulf of Oman.
India has reiterated that the safety of civilian seafarers and commercial shipping must be protected at all times. The government emphasized the need for restraint, de-escalation, and adherence to international maritime norms. New Delhi is also closely monitoring developments through its embassy in Oman and remains in constant contact with local authorities involved in the rescue mission.
The incident has sparked concern within India’s maritime community. Seafarers’ organizations have called for enhanced protection measures for Indian crew members operating in conflict-prone waters. As rescue teams continue their search for the missing sailors, families of the crew members await updates amid growing anxiety over their fate.
With diplomatic engagement now underway and rescue efforts continuing, the focus remains on locating the missing Indians and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping routes that are critical to global trade.
